Australia has revoked the visa of American rapper Kanye West after he released a song perceived to glorify Adolf Hitler, according to an announcement by the government on Wednesday. West, who now goes by the name Ye, released the controversial track titled “Heil Hitler” on 8 May—coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in the Second World War.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the visa cancellation, citing concerns about the promotion of hate speech. The 48-year-old artist, who has family ties to the country through his Australian wife Bianca Censori, had previously travelled to Australia on several occasions.
“He’s made many offensive remarks in the past,” Burke told ABC, the national broadcaster. “But following the release of the ‘Heil Hitler’ song, my department re-examined the situation, and his visa is no longer valid.”
Burke clarified that the visa in question had not been issued for performance or concert purposes but was of a lower category. Still, officials found grounds to deny him entry based on Australia’s legal standards.
“If you’re promoting Nazism in your music, that’s not something we want to bring into the country,” Burke said.
When asked whether it was realistic to bar a globally recognised celebrity, Burke responded: “What’s unsustainable is importing hatred.” He also stressed that each visa application is considered on its individual merits.
While affirming Australians’ right to freedom of expression, the minister added: “We already have enough challenges in this country without inviting in more bigotry.”
